Sunkist Growers Announce the Winners of its Sunkist Smiles International Photo Contest

Sunkist Growers Gave Winners Something to Smile About In Celebration of its 100th Brand Anniversary

July 25, 2008

Sherman Oaks, CA – JULY 25, 2008 – In honor of Sunkist’s centennial celebration, thousands of people “sliced and clicked” for the 2008 Sunkist Smiles international photo contest which benefited the Special Olympics. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Sunkist® brand, the company asked citrus lovers from around the world to submit a creative photograph of themselves wearing a Sunkist Smile (the classic orange wedge in the mouth).

People demonstrated their love for citrus and the Sunkist brand in many creative and entertaining ways -- from a 90-year-old showcasing her spunky Sunkist Smile to fun pool party snapshots to some even having their pets donning an orange wedge for the camera! Globally, Sunkist received a total of 4,233 unique orange-inspired photos from the United States, Canada, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan. After reviewing the many original entries from the United States, Sunkist Growers has awarded Casey Gulkin, 38, from Greensville, SC the delectably sweet honor of being the United States’ grand prize winner. His children, Emma and Timber were completely “oranged” out, taking the Sunkist orange wedged-smile to the max by sporting orange peels and orange slices for their eyes.

Five other participants will also be enjoying the sweeter side of life with exciting runner-up prizes. Runner-up winners are as follows: Gianna Yannone from Ladera Ranch, CA; Cassidy Powley from Enola, PA; Necole Bingham from Evans, GA; Kristina Vanni from North Hollywood, CA; and Kristine Heimburger from Warrenton, MO. Visit www.sunkist.com/smiles to view runner-up photos.

The public’s enthusiasm in sharing their Sunkist Smiles to benefit a special charity is a testament to how greatly they value giving to others. In honor of consumer’s participation, Sunkist Growers donated $50,000 to Special Olympics.

“Our search to find creative and bright Sunkist Smiles was launched to headline Sunkist Growers’ global celebration commemorating “100 Years of Sunkist” and engage people around the world who connect with our brand and love Sunkist citrus,” said Claire Smith, Sunkist Director of Corporate Communications. “We are passionate about providing folks with the fresh and delicious quality of Sunkist citrus and we are thrilled that people all over the world enjoyed the contest and the opportunity to give to Special Olympics.”

Judging criteria was based on Creativity (40%), Fun Factor (30%) and Quality of Image (30%). The United States grand prize is an exciting trip to any destination in Asia and a one-month supply of Sunkist citrus. In addition, Casey Gulkin’s winning Sunkist Smile photograph along with the other winning photos from Canada and Asia will be flashed at the world-famous Times Square in New York City on Friday, July 25th. Runner-up winners will receive a digital camera and a one-month supply of fresh Sunkist citrus.

One grand prize winner and multiple first place winners will also be selected from each of the participating countries, which include Canada, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan.

About Sunkist Growers, Inc.
The Sunkist brand was first used in 1907 to promote and further unify an emerging citrus cooperative formed by independent growers (previously known as the Southern California Fruit Exchange and later the California Fruit Growers Exchange). In 1908, the “Sunkist” name captured the organization’s interest and was adopted as its trademark to appear on boxes of premium quality fruit. Their legacy is honored today, over 100 years later, by the citrus growers in California and Arizona, most of whom are small family farmers, who now own Sunkist Growers.

Steadfast to its commitment to provide quality fresh fruit, Sunkist is one of the world’s oldest and largest citrus marketing cooperatives, packing millions of cartons of fruit each year.

Stretching its presence beyond the produce aisle, Sunkist brand licensed its famous nam